Micro-damage sensing in CNT-polypropylene composites under fatigue loading using electrical resistance measurement for automobile applications

Abstract

For automobile applications, carbon nanotubes (CNT)-polypropylene (PP) composites were compounded using a solvent dispersion method to disperse the filler relatively uniformly, and then using a twin screw extruder to manufacture specimens. Mechanical properties of CNT-PP composites were investigated and compared with those of neat PP. The reinforcing effects of CNTs fillers improved the mechanical properties up to a certain level due to stress transferring effect basically. Measurements in changes in electrical resistance were used to monitor clearly the internal damage in CNT-PP composite specimens during bending and fatigue loading, which can be applicable to automobile industries. The effects of low CNT concentrations on the mechanical of PP were investigated using tensile and impact tests. Low concentrations of CNT resulted in small, but significant increases, in Young's modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength. These mechanical properties increases were attributed to the good reinforcing effects of the CNT filler, whereas the dispersion degree could contribute to micro-damage sensing performance. Copyright 2013 by Aurora Flight Sciences.